Paddle UK awarded National Lottery funding

Paddle UK is celebrating after being awarded £14,982 of National Lottery funding from Sport England to empower more people to try paddling and protect their local blue spaces.

With this grant, Paddle UK and our partners can host Big Paddle Cleanup events specifically for community members who haven’t yet experienced paddling or joined environmental initiatives.

The funding will support 22 “open” event sessions, allowing over 500 community members without their own craft to experience paddling and engage in environmental stewardship.

Chantelle Grundy, Paddle UK’s Access and Environment Manager, is thrilled to have been awarded the funding:

“We are delighted to have secured this investment which means we can expand the Big Paddle Cleanup’s reach and deepen our impact by engaging directly with the hearts of our communities.

“By fostering a strong link between physical wellbeing and environmental care, we are working to ensure a lasting legacy of community participation and sustainable access to our waterways.

“Thank you to everyone who plays the National Lottery, we wouldn’t be able to do this without you.”

David Robinson, Business Manager, Leicester Outdoor Pursuits Centre said:

“We’re delighted to be working with Paddle UK to deliver these Paddle Litter Picks.

“This funding will enable us to engage more people from our local community in meaningful, hands-on environmental action – giving them the opportunity to explore our waterways in a different way while making a real, visible difference.

“By combining outdoor activity with conservation, we can inspire greater awareness of the importance of protecting our blue spaces and build a stronger sense of shared responsibility for keeping them clean and thriving.”

About National Lottery

National Lottery players raise £30m every week for good causes, funding arts, heritage, sports, voluntary and charity projects around the UK. For more information on good causes in your area go to www.lotterygoodcauses.org.uk

About Sport England

Sport England is a public body and invests up to £300m National Lottery and government money each year in projects and programmes that help people get active and play sport.

It wants everyone in England, regardless of age, background, or level of ability, to feel able to engage in sport and physical activity. That’s why a lot of its work is specifically focused on helping people who do.